Risk Of Coronary Atherosclerosis Research Articles

High HDL-C levels reduce the risk of obstructive coronary artery disease in asymptomatic diabetics who achieved optimal glycemic control

The benefit of a high level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) against coronary atherosclerosis risk after achieving optimal glycemic control (OGC) in diabetics remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between HDL-C and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) according to OGC status in diabetics. We analyzed 1,114 asymptomatic diabetics who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography in a health examination. OGC was defined as hemoglobin A1C <7.0%. Obstructive CAD was defined as the presence of plaques with ≥50% stenosis. Patients with a high HDL-C level (≥40 mg/dL and ≥50 mg/dL in males and females, respectively) showed a lower prevalence of obstructive CAD than those with a low HDL-C level in the OGC group (8.9% vs. 14.4%; p = 0.046), but not in the non-OGC group (22.3% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.850). Multiple logistic regression models showed that the risk for obstructive CAD was lower in patients with a high HDL-C level than in those with a low HDL-C level in the OGC group (odds ratio: 0.584, 95% confidence interval: 0.343–0.995; p = 0.048), but not in the non-OGC group. In conclusion, it may be necessary to maintain a high HDL-C level to reduce the risk of obstructive CAD in asymptomatic diabetics after OGC is achieved.

Increased Serum Parathyroid Hormone, Osteocalcin and Alkaline Phosphatase Are Associated with a Long-Term Adverse Cardiovascular Outcome after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Despite the fact that an association of osteopoenia/osteoporosis with elevated risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and coronary atherosclerosis (CA) is well-established, it remains unclear whether bone turnover markers can be employed in long-term prognostication of such patients. Here we measured serum calcium, phosphate, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase and its bone isoenzyme, subsequently correlating them with an adverse cardiovascular outcome after 3 years of follow-up. The extent of brachiocephalic artery stenosis, CA, or CAC, as well as prevalence of osteopoenia/osteoporosis before the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, did not differ between outcome groups, suggesting that subtle molecular mechanisms might be involved in determining the outcome rather than clinical or subclinical disease. After stepwise logistic regression, serum osteocalcin > 26.8 ng/mL and PTH > 49.1 pg/mL were independent predictors of an adverse outcome. Serum ionised calcium correlated with multivessel coronary artery disease; moreover, patients with severe CA (SYNTAX score > 21) had higher serum ionised calcium than those with mild CA. Likewise, serum alkaline phosphatase was associated with severe CA and CAC (Agatston score > 400). In conclusion, serum PTH, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase are associated with an adverse cardiovascular outcome 3 years after CABG surgery regardless of osteopoenia/osteoporosis, coronary/peripheral atherosclerosis, and CAC.

The association between progression of coronary artery calcium and colorectal adenoma: A retrospective follow-up study of asymptomatic Koreans.

The potential relationship between coronary artery calcium (CAC) and colorectal adenoma has been widely indicated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the risk of colorectal adenoma and CAC progression in asymptomatic Korean adults who underwent serial assessments by colonoscopy and CAC scan.A total of 754 asymptomatic participants, who had undergone serial CAC scans and colonoscopies for screening, were enrolled. Changes in CAC were assessed according to the absolute change between baseline and follow-up results. CAC progression was defined using Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis method. Risk for adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy was determined using hazard ratio (HR) by Cox regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was measured.The mean follow-up duration was 3.4 ± 2.5 years. CAC progression was found in 215 participants (28.5%). Participants with adenoma at index colonoscopy showed a higher rate of CAC progression than those without (38.8% vs 23.6%, P < .01). In participants with adenoma at index colonoscopy, CAC progression significantly increased the cumulative risk for adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy (HR = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.06, log-rank P = .021). In multivariate analysis, male sex (HR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.22-5.42, P = .013), ≥3 adenomas at index colonoscopy (HR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.16-5.85, P = .021), and CAC progression (HR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.48-5.08, P = .001) increased the risk of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy. In participants without adenoma at index colonoscopy, neither baseline CAC presence nor CAC progression increased the risk of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy. The interaction between CAC progression and adenoma at index colonoscopy was significant in multivariable model (P = .005). In the ROC analysis, AUC of CAC progression for adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy was 0.625 (95% CI 0.567-0.684, P < .001) in participants with adenoma at index colonoscopy.Participants with CAC progression, who are at high risk of coronary atherosclerosis, may need to be considered for follow-up evaluation of colorectal adenoma, especially those with adenoma at index colonoscopy.

Digit ratio and hair color relationships with coronary atherosclerotic markers.

Objective We aimed to investigate the association between body phenotype markers and coronary atherosclerosis markers. Methods Eighty-nine patients (mean age 57 ± 9 years, 50.5% male) who were assessed for coronary artery disease by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography angiography were enrolled in the study. Results A significant positive association was observed between coronary artery calcification and the second to fourth digit ratio ( r = 0.2, p = 0.00); more notably in males compared to females ( p = 0.03 vs. p = 0.08). There was a significant association between coronary artery calcification and pure white hair ( p = 0.00). There was no significant association between pericardial fat volume and second to fourth digit ratio ( p = 0.8). Pericardial fat volume was significantly associated with pure white hair ( p = 0.02). A significant association was observed between coronary plaque and a higher second to fourth digit ratio ( p = 0.01) and this was more notable in males ( p = 0.04). A significant association was observed between pure white hair and coronary plaque ( p = 0.00). After adjustment for conventional cardiac risk factors, the association of coronary artery calcification and coronary plaque with the second to fourth digit ratio did not persist, whereas the association of pericardial fat volume and coronary artery calcification with pure white hair remained significant ( p = 0.01 and p = 0.00, respectively). Conclusion These results suggest a possible predictive value of hair color, rather than digit ratio, in assessing increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis and cardiac fat deposition.

The Influence of Unsaturated Fatty Acids for Atherosclerosis in Recent Years

There have been various discussions of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) for influencing atherosclerosis. MUFA seems to have beneficial effects on the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis [1], and the authors have reported the marine-derived long-chain MUFA decrease atherosclerosis lesion development and total cholesterol in mouse [2]. On contrast, n-3 PUFA has been studied by GISSI-P trial, which was the Gruppo Italiano Per Lo Studio Della Sopravvivenza Nell’lnfarto Miocardio-Prevenzione (GISSI-P) Trial [3]. It included 11,324 subjects who had myocardial infarction followed up for 3.5 years. Administration of n-3 PUFA significantly lowered the risk of primary endpoint by 10%, suggesting beneficial effect statistically. Consecutive study showed the clinical effects for death, combined death, stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction. Furthermore, it attributed the reduced risk of the events for overall by 20%, cardiovascular by 30%, and sudden death by 45% [4].

Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk stratification in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients undergoing statin treatment.

To discuss the heterogeneity of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and evidence and limitations of clinical risk scores and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (SCA) imaging to evaluate risk. Risk evaluation in contemporary familial hypercholesterolemia cohorts needs to consider the cause of the familial hypercholesterolemia phenotype, for example the presence of autosomal molecular defects that impart a greater ASCVD risk than in polygenic hypercholesterolemia, prospective follow-up and the impact of statin treatment. As atherosclerosis is multifactorial, clinical scores like the Montreal familial hypercholesterolemia score and SAFEHEART risk equation have been proposed to stratify ASCVD in statin-treated, molecularly defined familial hypercholesterolemia individuals. However, these scores need further validation. SCA distribution in familial hypercholesterolemia individuals undergoing conventional lipid-lowering treatment is heterogeneous, with 45-50% of individuals not presenting any coronary artery calcification (CAC). One study suggests that the absence of CAC associates with no ASCVD events in asymptomatic familial hypercholesterolemia individuals undergoing statin therapy despite elevated residual LDL-cholesterol levels. In contrast, the presence of CAC was independently associated with ASCVD events. ASCVD risk is heterogeneous in statin-treated familial hypercholesterolemia individuals. Further studies are necessary to determine how risk stratification, especially with SCA detection, impacts on prescription of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitors within a cost-constrained environment.

VEGFR2 and OPG genes modify the risk of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

Background and aimsHeterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The magnitude of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in FH patients is highly variable, and this can result from genetic factors. The aim of our study was to characterize whether polymorphisms in VEGFR2 and OPG genes could influence the expression of ASCVD in FH patients. MethodsWe studied 318 FH patients from the SAFEHEART registry, without clinical diagnosis of ASCVD. A coronary tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to determine and evaluate the presence of coronary stenosis and coronary artery calcium, as measured by coronary calcium score (CCS). Genotyping of OPG rs2073618 and VEGFR2 rs2071559 polymorphisms was performed using TaqMan 5′-exonuclease allelic discrimination assays. ResultsHomozygous GG genotype and G allele of VEGFR2 rs2071559 polymorphism were associated with decreased risk of developing coronary artery stenosis. In the analysis of OPG rs2073618 and VEGFR2 rs2071559 polymorphisms, according to the presence of coronary artery calcium, we found significant differences in both polymorphisms. Homozygous GG genotype and G allele of VEGFR2 rs2071559 polymorphism were associated with decreased risk of accumulation of coronary artery calcium measured by CCS in CTA. Moreover, being a carrier of the GG genotype and G allele of the OPG rs2073618 polymorphism increased the risk of the presence of coronary artery calcium measured by CCS in CTA. ConclusionsPolymorphisms in VEGFR2 and OPG genes modify the risk of ASCVD in FH patients.

The relationship of microcirculation parameters of the bulbar conjunctiva and coronary angiography in patients with coronary artery disease

Aim. To identify the associations between microcirculation parameters obtained using the method of bulbar conjunctiva videobiomicroscopy and coronary angiography in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Material and methods. Fifty six patients with ACS underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and on days 7-10 of hospitalization — bulbar conjunctiva videobiomicroscopy. A comparison of micro- and macrocirculation parameters by methods of pair and canonical correlations has been carried out. Results. Multiple positive and negative correlations of the average force between microcirculation parameters (arteriolar-venular ratio (AVR), capillary number per 1 mm 2 of conjunctival surface, intravascular erythrocyte aggregation in the eye corner) conjunctival areas) and severity of coronary sclerosis. By the method of canonical correlations, strong (r=0,71), positive statistically significant (p=0,0256) correlation was observed. Conclusion . Bulbar conjunctiva videobiomicroscopy can be used as non-invasive screening to identify individuals with a high risk of coronary sclerosis. Thus, the following parameters can be used: AVR, capillary number per 1 mm 2 of conjunctival surface, intravascular erythrocyte aggregation in the eye corner and the number of conjunctival areas with identified intravascular erythrocyte aggregation. In case of low AVR values (0,2-0,3), reduction of the capillary bloodflow (reducing of the capillary number less than 4 units/mm 2 of the conjunctival surface) and widespread intravascular erythrocyte aggregation in three and four areas of the bulbar conjunctiva, patients should underwent CAG because of high risk of coronary atherosclerosis.

Carotenoid metabolic (BCO1) polymorphisms and personal behaviors modify the risk of coronary atherosclerosis: a nested case-control study in Han Chinese with dyslipidaemia (2013-2016).

β-Carotene-15,15'-oxygenase (BCO1) is a key enzyme involved in carotenoid metabolism and has been linked with the development of coronary atherosclerosis. This study investigated the association between BCO1 polymorphisms and the risk of coronary atherosclerosis in dyslipidemia participants, and analyzed the influence of personal behaviors on coronary atherosclerosis. A nested case-control study was conducted from 2013 to 2016 in which 1359 dyslipidemia participants were recruited. Personal lifestyle parameters, mainly physical activities and diet, were obtained by questionnaires and the genotypes of rs11641677, rs11646692, rs12934922, rs6564851 and rs7501331 in BCO1 were analyzed by ligase detection reaction. In 2016, 166 participants were diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis and 498 age-and gendermatched controls were recruited. The association between BCO1 polymorphisms and risk of coronary atherosclerosis were analyzed with logistic regression, and the effect of gene-behaviors interaction on the risk of coronary atherosclerosis were determined with crossover analysis. After adjustment for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that fried food intake (OR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.127~2.378; p=0.010), dessert intake (OR=1.733, 95% CI: 1.158~2.595; p=0.008), and physical activity (OR=0.511, 95% CI: 0.309~0.846; p=0.009) were risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis. Rs12934922 and rs11646692 reflected high susceptibility to coronary atherosclerosis. Crossover analysis indicated that rs12934922 and rs11646692 interacted with physical activity (Inter-OR=8.82; Inter-OR=3.69), fried food intake (Inter-OR=2.95; Inter-OR=2.36) and dessert intake (Inter-OR=3.95; Inter-OR=2.39) to influence the risk of coronary atherosclerosis. In dyslipidemia patients, rs12934922 and rs11646692 may influence the development of coronary atherosclerosis. A combination of BCO1 polymorphisms and several behavioral factors may affect the development of coronary atherosclerosis.

IDENTIFICATION OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS IN RAT INDUCED BY INTRAVENOUS CANDIDA ALBICANS

Objective: This study aimed to identify the sign of coronary atherosclerosis lesion in rat induced by intravenous Candida albicans.Methods: This research was an experimental laboratories (in vivo) that used 15 male Wistar rat, divided into three groups of the control, the first treatment group injected by C. albicans intravenously with concentration of the 10−10 cells/mL and the second treatment group injected by C. albicans intravenously with concentration of the 10−12 cells/mL. 0.2 mL of C. albicans were injected to the first and second treatment group on 1st, 4th, 9th, 16th, and 23rd day. On the 5th week, rats were sacrificed, taken its hearts that contained the coronary artery. Rat’s heart had been fixed; histological preparations were made and painted with Picrosirius Red and Sudan IV, observed by a microscope.Results: The artery walls of the first and second treatment group were thicker than the control group. Lesions and disposition lipids of the first and second treatment group were more frequent than the control group.Conclusion: Intravenous C. albicans can increase the risk of coronary atherosclerosis.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associations with coronary artery calcification: evidence from the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

ObjectiveRecent evidence suggests that alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may differentially affect risk of cardiovascular mortality. To investigate whether early liver disease due to...

Circulating levels of cardiac troponin T are associated with coronary noncalcified plaque burden in HIV-infected adults: a pilot study.

HIV infection and/or antiretroviral therapy may increase the risk of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. However, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those without IV access cannot undergo contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography (CCTA). This study was to explore the relationship between cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels and the extent of coronary plaque burden, as assessed by CCTA in those with HIV infection. Between June and September 2017, 58 HIV-infected participants were recruited and underwent contrast-enhanced CCTA. cTnT was measured with the Elecsys Troponin T Gen 5 STAT assay, and noncalcified plaque burden was quantified using coronary plaque analysis. Robust regression model was employed to perform primary statistical analysis. Univariate robust regression analysis indicated that male gender, cardiovascular risk score defined by the 2013 ACC/AHA cardiovascular risk score algorithm, and cTnT levels were significantly associated with noncalcified plaque volume index (NCPI). Final robust regression analyses showed that only cTnT (log scale) was independently associated with the NCPI (regression coefficient: 0.0453 with 95% CI: 0.0151, 0.0755, p = 0.003). These results of this study suggest that cTnT may be a promising marker for coronary plaque burden, especially in patients with HIV-associated CKD or without IV access.

Interaction between tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 gene polymorphisms and environmental factors associated with coronary atherosclerosis in a Chinese Han

To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) gene polymorphisms and additional gene-environment interaction with coronary atherosclerosis risk. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best interaction combination among 4 SNPs, smoking and alcohol drinking. Logistic regression was performed to investigate association between 4 SNPs within TFPI-2 gene and coronary atherosclerosis risk. Coronary atherosclerosis risk was significantly higher in carriers with the A allele of rs34489123 within TFPI-2 gene than those with GG genotype (GA+AA versus GG), adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.70 (1.20-2.31), and was also higher in carriers with the G allele of rs4264 within TFPI-2 gene than those with AA genotype (AG+GG versus AA), adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.62 (1.21-2.11). GMDR model shown the best models for gene-environment interaction were rs34489123 and smoking after adjusting the covariates, which scored 10 out of 10 for cross-validation consistency and 0.0010 for the sign test. Heavy LD was found for SNPs rs34489123 and rs59805398 (D' value was more than 0.8). Compared to control individuals, the AG haplotypes appeared to be significantly associated with increased coronary atherosclerosis risk, OR (95% CI) = 1.73 (1.22-2.32). We found that the A allele of rs34489123 and the G allele of rs4264 within TFPI-2 gene, interaction between rs34489123 and smoking and AG haplotypes were all associated with increased coronary atherosclerosis risk.

MULTIMARKER DIAGNOSTIC PANELS FOR ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Aim. To consider an opportunity for application of different combinations of biochemical and bioimaging parameters to create different multimarker diagnostic panels designed for assessment of risk of coronary atherosclerosis and its complications.Material and methods. To the analysis, data included, obtained from patients 18 y.o. and older (n=502), investigated at NMRCPR of the Ministry of Health in 2011-2013, who had undergone diagnostic coronary arteriography and duplex carotid scanning. Atherosclerosis burden was measured according the Gensini score. Subfractional spectrum of apoB-lipoproteides was assessed with the Quantimetrix Lipoprint LDL System (USA), biochemistry was done with standard lab. methods. Statistics was done with software Statistica v.10, IBM SPSS Statistics v.20, SAS v.9.4.Results. Several multimarker combinations (panels) for non-invasive estimation of risk of coronary atherosclerosis detection and its severity were proposed. These are 1) an index K, calculated as ratio of the sum of potentially atherogenic subfractions to the large physiologically active LDL1 particles; index K &gt;1,7 indicates an increased atherogenic potential of apo B-containing particles even with normal lipid profile, and can be used for non-invasive prediction of coronary atherosclerosis; 2) duplex complexes as adiponectin to endothelin ratio which &lt;7,0 is associated with coronary atherosclerosis risk only in men, and as leptin to insulin ratio which &lt;3,5 is associated with elevated atherosclerosis risk only in women; 3) integrated biomarker BIO represented the combination of individual visual and biochemical variables and permitted to discriminate patients from those with no coronary atherosclerosis or having subclinical or severe atherosclerotic lesions.Conclusion. Proposed multimarker diagnostic panel could be regarded as novel potential biomarkers of coronary atherosclerosis risk and severity, however validation of these markers is necessary. The problem of cardiovascular risk stratification and further prevention activities should be solved with the search for novel markers and combinations of markers.

Activity of serum paraoxonase 1, lipid profile and atherogenic indexes in diabetic induced rats treated with alpha lipoic acid

Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme attached to high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) which has antioxidant and anti-atherogenic activities. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effects of alpha lipoic acid on PON1 activity, lipid profile and atherogenic index as well as correlation between PON1 activities and HDL-C in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male rats were distributed in three experimental groups in this study. Control (group I), diabetic (group II) and diabetic animals treated with alpha lipoic acid (group III) group. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats in groups II and III by a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg; subcutaneous) and then treatment was performed with administration of alpha lipoic acid (100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) in group III for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from animals to measure the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), HDL-C, PON1 activity and correlation the between HDL-C and atherogenic index by PON1. Results: Statistical analysis showed that alpha lipoic acid significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the increase of TG, TC, LDL-C, VLDL, atherogenic index, atherogenic coefficient (AC), and cardiac risk ratio (CRR) when compared to diabetic rats in group II. HDL-C level was increased by alpha lipoic acid. The activity of PON1 was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in diabetic rats and treatment with alpha lipoic acid increased the PON1 activity. Moreover, the activity of PON1 correlated positively with HDL-C and negatively with AC, CRP 1 and CRP2. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the administration of alpha lipoic acid can improve PON1 activity, lipid metabolism, atherogenic index and is able to reduce the risk of coronary artery diseases and atherosclerosis in diabetic rats.

Genetic inactivation of ANGPTL4 improves glucose homeostasis and is associated with reduced risk of diabetes

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is an endogenous inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase that modulates lipid levels, coronary atherosclerosis risk, and nutrient partitioning. We hypothesize that loss of ANGPTL4 function might improve glucose homeostasis and decrease risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigate protein-altering variants in ANGPTL4 among 58,124 participants in the DiscovEHR human genetics study, with follow-up studies in 82,766 T2D cases and 498,761 controls. Carriers of p.E40K, a variant that abolishes ANGPTL4 ability to inhibit lipoprotein lipase, have lower odds of T2D (odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.85–0.92, p = 6.3 × 10−10), lower fasting glucose, and greater insulin sensitivity. Predicted loss-of-function variants are associated with lower odds of T2D among 32,015 cases and 84,006 controls (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.49–0.99, p = 0.041). Functional studies in Angptl4-deficient mice confirm improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, genetic inactivation of ANGPTL4 is associated with improved glucose homeostasis and reduced risk of T2D.

The Current Conditions and Lifestyles of Obese University Students.

BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Japan remains high, and the onset becomes early. Studies on the current conditions and lifestyles of obese university students may support early interventions to achieve lifestyle modification.Methods and ResultsThe results of periodic health examinations in 32,262 first-year university students revealed that 2,036 (6.3%) were obese. We performed a more detailed examination in 221 of these obese students (165 males and 56 females, age 19 ± 1 years) with study agreement from 2014 to 2016. In this study cohort, the percentage of students who exercised regularly was significantly higher among males than females. Body fat in males with well-exercised was lower than that in males with no exercise. In addition, serum level of high-density cholesterol in males with well-exercised was higher. Among females, there were no significant differences in these parameters between exercisers and non-exercisers. Forty-two obese students (40 males and two females) met the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Among males, levels of body fat, uric acid, liver enzyme and insulin resistance in the MetS group were significantly higher than those in the non-MetS group. The average ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) was low (0.14).ConclusionsAlthough the proportions of students with obesity and/or MetS were not high, the EPA/AA ratio in obese young males was low, which may be associated with a high risk of coronary atherosclerosis. To prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases early intervention to achieve lifestyle modification may be important.

Outcome of current and history of cancer on the risk of cardiovascular events following percutaneous coronary intervention: a Kumamoto University Malignancy and Atherosclerosis (KUMA) study.

With the advancement in successfully treating different types of cancers, there is an immediate and increased need to focus on the risk and complexity of treating cardiovascular events in cancer survivors. This has led to the emergence of onco-cardiology/cardio-oncology field. We examined the varying incidence of cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with or without cancer. Participants were divided into a non-malignant group and a malignant group, consisting of patients who were receiving or had ever received cancer treatment. The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR) within 1 year of PCI. In the patient groups studied, we showed that the malignant group had a significantly higher probability of TLR than the non-malignant group (P = 0.002). Moreover, proportional hazards analyses identified malignancy as an independent predictor of TLR [hazard ratio (HR) 2.28, 95% confidential interval (CI) 1.3-4.0; P = 0.004]. Combining malignancy status with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels further increased the HR for TLR (HR 3.01, 95% CI 1.57-5.76; P = 0.001), and the net reclassification improvement was significant (15.2%, 95% CI 4.3-26%; P = 0.02). Time since completion of cancer treatment had an impact on the rate of TLR, with those patients with a current or recent cancer history having more TLR events within 1year. We demonstrated a significant association between the recent history of cancer and the risk of recurrent coronary atherosclerosis in patients undergoing PCI and showed that malignancy status can predict the likelihood of cardiovascular events following this procedure.

Association of Epicardial, Visceral, and Subcutaneous Fat With Cardiometabolic Diseases.

Excess of visceral fat is a central factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and atherosclerosis. However, little is known about how much epicardial fat affects cardiometabolic disorders in comparison with visceral or subcutaneous fat.Methods and Results:Participants suspected as having angina pectoris underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging. Of them, 374 subjects were analyzed the association of clinical characteristics and CT-based fat distribution measured as epicardial fat volume (EFV), visceral fat area (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). EFV was highly associated with VFA (R=0.58). Serum adiponectin was significantly decreased in high VFA subjects (VFA ≥100 cm2) and was also reduced in the high EFV group (EFV ≥80 cm3). Among the low VFA groups, the numbers of subjects with diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis were increased in high EFV group. Among the low EFV groups, the numbers of subjects with diabetes, hyperuricemia, and coronary atherosclerosis were increased among the high VFA subjects. In an age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted model, EFV was associated with dyslipidemia and MetS, and VFA was significantly associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, MetS, and coronary atherosclerosis, while SFA was not related with coronary risks and atherosclerosis. Epicardial fat accumulation may be a risk for coronary atherosclerosis in subjects without visceral fat accumulation. Visceral fat is the strongest risk for cardiometabolic diseases among the 3 types of fat depot.

Association of variant in the ADIPOQ gene and functional study for its role in atherosclerosis.

The burden of atherosclerosis is heritable and associated with elevated risk of developing CVDs. Here, we evaluated genetic variants of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene, which has important role in anti- atherosclerosis, with risk of atherosclerosis among a large Chinese population. Our results show that rs74577862 was significantly associated with risk of atherosclerosis (OR=2.08; 95%CI=1.48-2.91; P=2.2×10-5). When stratified by atherosclerosis site, rs74577862 was associated with increased risk of both carotid atherosclerosis (OR=2.03; 95%CI=1.35-3.06; P=6.3×10-4) and coronary atherosclerosis (OR=2.11; 95%CI=1.44-3.09; P=1.1×10-4). In addition, we also carried out site-directed mutagenesis and dual-luciferase reporter assay to confirm the positive finding, which presents a significant decrease in luciferase expression for the reconstructed plasmid with rs74577862 A allele in comparison to the one with G allele (P<0.001). Real-time PCR also confirmed the findings above. These results strongly suggest that the functional SNP, ADIPOQ rs74577862 might contribute to atherosclerosis susceptibility.